The State Government has announced funding to help Upper Yarra communities transition away from native timber harvesting.
Powelltown, Warburton and Yarra Junction will share in $1.3 million from the Local Development Strategy grants program.
The funding will go towards developing a community led to strategy to move away from the logging industry and adapt to new industries to increase employment opportunities.
A volunteer committee will be established to assist in the strategies development and it will lead this initiative and generate ideas to provide jobs and great outcomes for the Upper Yarra community.
A project manager will also be appointed to oversee the project, run studies and comprehensive engagement with the communities throughout the development of the strategy.”
In 2019, the State Government announced a multi-million dollar package to support workers and communities affected by its plan to bring native logging to a halt over the next decade.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child said it was important to recognise the substantial history that the timber industry has in the Upper Yarra.
“With over a 100-year history, this transition is profound and will affect families in the Upper Yarra who have ties with the timber industry, some of which go back four or five generations,” Cr Child said.
“Council’s role and focus is to support the community through this transition as best we can.
Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas announced the funding Wednesday 20 April in Murrindindi, with Alexandra, Taggerty, Marysville and Buxton to share in $400,000 from the program.
“These grants provide real opportunities for a diverse range of communities to transition away from a native timber industry and to identify new opportunities for their long-term future,” Ms Thomas said.
“We are supporting businesses and local communities to take control of their future, seek new opportunities and create more jobs.”
